Author Archives: Steve Roger

Review: Voltron: From The Ashes #6

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VoltronAshes06-Cov-A-Milne

*****THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS OF PREVIOUS ISSUES*****

On the last episode of Voltron: From The Ashes; new Voltron Pilots Jayce, Vega, Kirin, Niki and Rei were all in a vicious fight with a couple of Haggars Robeasts, on the beautiful Planet Arus. Together Piloting the Lions and Voltron for the first time they came together as a team to end up Victorious and save the people of the Planet. The Monks of Arus, who trained the Pilots have a little celebration for them to honor their achievement of defending the Planet from complete destruction. Meanwhile, there is a huge commotion among Gr’Rawr’s Army and Haggards call upon them to check out her latest Robeast creation made out of their fearless leader! And now for the exciting conclusion.

Two aged men are on a journey in what looks like our version of the Grand Canyon, they are both wearing cloaks and they are talking about their burdens and how the journey is much longer than they remember. The book now cuts to the new Pilots relaxing on a nice sunny day enjoying the sunshine when all heck breaks loose. Things are not going so well for them as the struggle to get to the Lions. Haggars new Robeast she made out of Gr’Rawr is attacking the planet. Haggar is now watching all the happenings unfold and is overhearing some griping for one of Gr’Rawr’s higher ups to another soldier, but she is in a good mood and decides to let it slide. Finally, the team gets Voltron formed and is fighting off Gr’Rwar as well as all the enemy ships. Eventually the team forms blazing word and defeats the Robeasts as well as the mother ship that contains Haggar the beast. Will this be the end of Haggar? Will Arus finally be free of attacks from enemies, will Voltron finally be able to be retired? You’ll just have to buy it and find out how it all ends!

This was another good writing job from Cullen Bunn, especially since this is the last chapter of this comic book series. Would I have liked a couple of more books to really do this series justice? Yes. But with that said I was overall pleased with how it ended. There was a lot more action shots in this issue as been the theme basically with the previous five issues but I wish there was a little more dialect with this series.

The art again was spot on by Blacky Shepherd, but colorist Adriano Augusto did a great job in making everything pop and visually spectacular and keeping Voltron true to the way he looked from a color stand point. Just an overall awesome job by the two of the to capture what Voltron has always been about from a artistic stand point.

Overall, this series was very satisfying from this Voltron fan’s standpoint, I am really hoping at some point that Dynamite Entertainment will put out another Voltron series that maybe goes more in depth with their characters and story lines. Go out and get your copy of Voltron: From the Ashes #6 today, you won’t regret it!

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Blacky Shepherd
Story: 8 Art: 10 Overall: 9 Recommendation: BUY!

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1

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power rangers 1 cover

IT’S MORPHIN TIME! Dragonzord, Masterdon, Pterodactyl, Triceratops, Sabretooth Tiger, Tyrannosaurus! Go Go Power Rangers….Go Go Power Rangers…….Go Go Power Rangers, you Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Hey folks Steve Roger here with my review of BOOM! Studio’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1 which focuses on Tommy the Green Ranger. I am wicked excited (that’s right I am from the Boston area) to have been able to review the first issue of this modern take of a show I used to race home during the weekdays after school to watch on the Fox Network. It is truly amazing how long the Power Rangers legacy has lived on over the past 23 years and counting, and pretty soon we will be getting another live action movie based off the Original TV show that first aired on August 28, 1993. How exciting is that news!!

Kimberly, Trini, Zach, Billy, Jason and Tommy are all back in these adventures that are based when the Rangers defeated the Green Ranger who was under Rita Repulsa’s spell and following her command to destroy Zordon and the Rangers. Bulk and Skull are YouTube bloggers who talk about the Power Rangers and their happenings as well as always annoying the gang. Some of the Rangers are having trust issues with Tommy, while others are fully embracing him. There was apparently an issue with Tommy and his Dragonzord on a bridge that was destroyed by one of Rita’s monsters (but that’s water under the bridge haha). The Rangers in a training simulation and Tommy keeps hearing Rita in his making him doubt himself. He leads a group the wrong way with bad results. Zordon ends the simulation and said that Tommy was not in the wrong and that he wasn’t supposed to succeed but that is not good enough and Tommy needs to find a way to win. Later that night Tommy is surprised in his bedroom.

I really liked how this comic was done. It has a modern day feel which is great, I think the comic would have been cheesy if the Rangers were still dressed as civilians in early 1990’s garb (I personally liked the MC Hammer pants). All the major players are involved; Zordon, all 5 Rangers, Tommy, Rita, Angel Grove High School, Bulk and Skull. The story line was great, it was simple and is in tune with the original show. I really couldn’t find anything wrong with the story line. Great Job over all by Kyle Higgins.

The artwork by Hendry Prasetya, it wasn’t super detailed like a lot of comics are these days, but he did a great job with the Zords which are basically the biggest draw of Power Rangers Franchise anyways. The coloring by Matt Herms was spot on and was really easy on the eyes, which is great when you are trying to read. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series goes.

All in all, this was a great comic book. I love reading things that flash me back to my childhood, because shows back then were awesome and iconic and Powers Ranger going at 23 years strong will still be a round for at least a little while longer and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for this franchise.

Story: Kyle Higgins Art: Hendry Prasetya Color: Matt Herms
Story: 9 Art: 10 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: He-Man: The Eternity War #15

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HEMEW 15 Print CoverI am Adam Prince of Eternia and defender of the secrets of Castle Greyskull. This is Cringer, my fearless friend. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to me the day I held aloft my magic sword and said “By the power of Greyskull!”, “I have the power!”, Cringer became the Mighty Battle Cat, and I became He-Man the most powerful man in the Universe. Only a few others share this secret, our friends: the Sorceress, Man-At-Arms and Orko. Together we defend Castle Greyskull from the evil forces of Skeletor.

The Eternity War against Skeletor is over. He-Man finally has defeated his arch nemesis but at a great cost. Many of He-Man’s friends and family have perished. Prince Adam has dreams of the future right after the Eternity War, dreams of eventually rebuilding the “Masters of the Universe.” Now several months after the war, the survivors are migrating to Castle Greyskull to live their lives and to re-build. Prince Adam has a plan to help the people and together with Teela and Stratos, Eternia will be alive and well again.

I read this issue three times as I wanted to look at every detail and read every word to really get it’s full impact. The story line was great. Dan Abnett did a great job in this issue of talking bout the present and the future of He-Man and Eternia. It was great to see She-Ra, I don’t think she get enough credit in the comic book world but she is a great character.

The one thing I do wish is that they would talk more about those who perished. I know that there is only so many pages to work with in a comic book, but I think there should have been a homage somewhere. I also like seeing Prince Adam in a more defining role instead of the lazy Prince who doesn’t like to train to fight much like in the beginning of the original 1980’s cartoon series.

Visually it was spectacular! Artist Pop Mhan and colorist Mark Roberts, did a fantastic job in this book. Everything was spot on from Prince Adam’s attire, to Teela and She-Ra’s Armour. The colors really popped and and was really appeasing to the eye.

I thoroughly enjoyed this comic and I can’t wait to read the next one. I was hoping it wasn’t too far removed from what I grew up with as a child and it definitely was all there. Go out and get a copy immediately!

Story: Dan Abnett Art: Pop Mhan Colors: Mark Roberts
Story:9 Artwork 10 Overall 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Review: Ghostbusters International #2

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GB-Int_02-cvrStill making headlines all across the World, the Ghostbusters are at it again. This time, at the Italian Island, “Poveglia.” The boys in gray slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance. This is Casey Kasem. Now, on with the countdown.

After Scandinavian businessman Erland Winters tries to purchase the Ghostbusters from Walter Peck and the PCOC, the Ghostbusters are hired by Mr.Winters to travel to the Italian Island Poveglia to capture ghosts there in order to build on the land without ghosts ruining the possible attraction. Once the Ghostbusters arrive in Italy (without Egon) its apparent that things aren’t going to go as smooth as it was made to sound.

It’s clear that this issue is a set up for the rest of the events that is set to take place, which only makes sense because because this is only the second issue of a series. It’s interesting that the book starts out with somebody trying to buy the Ghostbusters. Peter Venkman is all for it but of course, Winston, Ray and Egon are not. Ray has a love interest and its someone the team works with a lot.

What I find very interesting is that the team is working hand in hand with Walter Peck, especially since Walter tried to shutdown the Ghostbusters in the original movie and almost succeeded. Peter and Walter still have their issues but I think that will make the rest of the series very interesting. Janine, is still with the group and she is kind of like a mother to everyone.

The artwork by Dan Schoening is unlike I have ever seen. It’s not as detailed as a lot of comic books are, but It is still very good. I think readers who read comic to admire the art as well as the story will like what Dan Schoening has done. Th characters themselves aren’t recognizable the way we all know them buts that is ok. Good job to Dan for the artwork in this book.

Overall the issue was well done. This is the first time I have ever picked up a Ghostbusters comic book and it reminded me a lot of the Real Ghostbusters cartoon back in the 1986 to 1991. I think IDW could have a real hit on their hands. Ghostbusters has always been a big attraction with the original movies, the video games that came out a few years ago and now the new Ghostbusters movie starring Melissa McCarthy coming out this summer. It’s going to be a good time for anything Ghostbusters. I give this comic a must read!

Story: Erik Burnham Art: Dan Schoening Colors: Luis Antonio Delgado
Story: 8 Artwork: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Bringing The Old With The New: 5 Must Have In The New Voltron Netflix Series

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voltron netflix“From days of long ago, from uncharted regions of the universe, comes a legend. The legend of Voltron: Defender of the Universe. A mighty robot, loved by good, feared by evil. As Voltron’s legend grew, peace settled across the galaxy. On Planet Earth, a Galaxy Alliance was formed. Together with the good planets of the Solar System, they maintained peace throughout the universe until a new horrible menace threatened the galaxy. Voltron was needed once more. This is the story of the superforce of space explorers. Specially trained and sent by the alliance to bring back, Voltron: Defender of the Universe.“ –  Narrated By Peter Cullen

Netflix is at it again, this time they have teamed up with Dreamworks to bring back Voltron with Voltron: Legendary Defender. As excited as I am that yet another Voltron show is being made I am also being cautious because it is yet another Voltron being made. As I said in another article here that I believed the only way Voltron could be successful again is to either introduce a new cast of characters or completely reboot the franchise.

In 2011 Nickelodeon came out with Voltron Force, they tried to introduce us to a new set of Cadets/Pilots being trained by the original Pilots. The show lasted only 1 season, but it was on Nickelodeon and was geared towards kids and not to those in their early to mid 30’s as well as to children.

Voltron the Third Dimension was just doomed to fail from the very beginning. First of all the 3D animation was over the top. The story was weak as they were trying pick up their series several years down the road and the Voltron Force being put out commission by the Galaxy Alliance and are essentially forced into treason to help defend the galaxy once more.

With that said I decided that I should write a article with the 5 things the new Voltron Series has to have that was in the original series that debuted on September 10, 1984.

  1. voltron imageDefender Of The Universe: Bring back the wording Defender of the Universe. Voltron has never been called the Legendary Defender. I am ok with rebooting the franchise, but I think calling Voltron The Legendary Defender is taking it a tad too far.
  2. Sven: Look I love Princess Allura as much as the next person, but the Norwegian Sven was awesome he is the original Pilot of the blue lion and for some reason the creators had decided to move on from him and bring him back in a supporting role. I wish to see Sven back Piloting the blue lion in the new reboot.
  3. king alforKing Alfor: In the original series they talked a lot about King Alfor who is the father to Princess Allura. He would appear every once in a while when the Voltron Force and in particular Princess Allura needed his advice. After all it was King Alfor was the man responsible for digging the tunnels from the castle to the lions. It would be nice to see King Alfor more often in the new series and maybe explore that back story a little bit more.
  4. Stride The Tiger Fighter: Stride was in only 1 episode and that was in season two called Enter Merla: Queen Of Darkness. Even though he was only in 1 episode I thought his character could built upon and have a decent role in the franchise. Plus the Tiger Fighter was awesome and could have complimented Voltron and the five lions well.
  5. original voltron toyAn Awesome Toy Line: I remember clearly having a die cast Voltron where all five lions formed Voltron. There were a few cool toys like the Castle Of Lions, as well as the individual Pilots as well as King Zarkon, Haggar The Witch and Prince Lotor. Voltron the third Dimension had a decent toy line but because the show was so bad they didn’t sell well, but when Voltron Force was being made Mattel was supposed to be doing a toy line for the show, the had mock ups and everything and was even displayed at San Diego Comic Con in 2011 and not one toy came out. They did a small Voltron original series collection through club Matty Collector but that was it. This new show needs to have a awesome toy line, especially to draw win the kids because they are what’s going to help make Voltron successful again.

I have complete faith in Dreamworks that they will do a great job with this new series and, I really hope these five things I have mentioned will be in the series. I was uneasy with Nickelodeons Voltron Force because it was my beloved Voltron and I am not a big fan of what they did to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And I was thrown off immediately thrown off when the shows intro was rapped. But Netflix has had a good run so far with adaptations of Jessica Jones and Daredevil and I can’t wait to see what they are going to do with the Punisher. Okay team let’s Form Voltron!

Von Miller Is Cam’s Kryptonite

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supercam chestOver the last few years super heroes and sports have been becoming more and more synonymous with each other. In Indycar racing circuit you had Hélio Castroneves, who’s nickname was Spider-Man because after a victory he would climb the fencing that separates the fans from the race track. ESPN (who is owned by Disney, who also just happens to own the rights to Marvel) made their very own “comic book” who had Lebron James on the cover it.

That’s how far being a geek has become, that athletes, who probably picked on geeks and gave them weekly swirlies  in high school, are now joining forces with each other. Even Brook Lopez who plays for the Brooklyn Nets is a huge comic book fan and can be seen at comic cons getting his fix of pop culture and all it’s glory.

Leading up to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara California, the country was taken by storm by Cam Newton, the charismatic, fun loving and dabbing starting Quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. Cam also goes by the nickname “SuperCam.“ Just as he is known for his dabbing, Cam Newton is also know for his Supermanesque touchdown celebration, where he makes believe he is opening his shirt showing his superman symbol underneath, Cam also has a football move where he will leap forward as if he is trying to fly over the defenders.

Von Miller Catched SupercamWell as it happens, SuperCam met his foe. His name is Von Miller. Von Miller is Cam Newton’s own personal Lex Luthor “The greatest criminal mind of our time!” and for once Lex Luthor was able to defeat his arch nemisis with 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced  fumbles in The Broncos win in Super Bowl 50.

Now Von Miller could have stopped there, but this week he trolled Cam Newton so hard on twitter with some amazing new shoes that Adidas customized for Von Miller

Here is the tweet:

Those Kryptonite shoes are amazing and definitely are way better than the Superman shoes Cam Newton wears during pregame warm-ups, but can’t wear them in an actual game because the NFL wont allow.

I can’t wait to see what is in store over the next few years, finally geek’s and jocks can unite and form a common bond!

Review: Voltron: From the Ashes #1-5

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VoltronAshes01-Cov-A-MilneActivate interlocks, dynatherms connected, infracells-up, mega thrusters are go, Let’s Go Voltron Force! These words resonated through me as a child who grew up in the 1980’s. Even now as an adult Voltron is still one of the coolest things to me and will read and watch anything that has Voltron Lion Force in it. Which brings me to the topic at hand, Dynamite Entertainment joined forces with Cullen Bunn (Deadpool, Captain America, Magneto) and Blacky Shepherd to form Voltron once again with Voltron: From The Ashes, and I for one couldn’t be anymore excited that I got a chance to read these comics.

When I was given this assignment I couldn’t wait to open it up start reading the first five issues of this series. I knew in order for Voltron to be successful with readers who were born in the mid 90’s a new cast of characters where going to have to be introduced or the franchise had to be completely rebooted like Netflix is going to be doing this year,  and Cullen Bunn and the folks at dynamite hit the nail on the head in blending both the old with the new.

Voltron: From The Ashes takes place over 200 years after the Voltron defeats the Drule Empire. Haggar the Witch and her cat Coven have been drifting through the galaxy abandoned, asleep and defeated. She has nightmares about that day, but she is unaware of the outcome between her Robeasts and Voltron. The galaxy has been  in peace for two hundred years, Voltron’s original pilots Commander Keith, Lance, Pidge, Hunk and Princess Allura are long gone but are still flashed back to throughout the series. And the Monks of Arus are now training a new set of pilots to take over Voltron if and when he is needed again. These new pilots are Jayce, Vega, Kirin, Niki and Rei ( no not the same girl from Star Wars The Force Awakens her name is spelled Rey). Haggar is eventually found adrift by Gr’ Rawr and she quickly begins the process of creating new Rrobeasts for her new warlord. Shortly after, Haggar, Gr’ Rawr and his army along with Haggars Robeast attack a peaceful and unaware Planet Arus and has called upon the new Voltron Pilots. After a lengthy hard  fault battle, our fearless Pilots help Voltron defeat the Robeasts and Haggar once again

The plot it’s self was solid, it goes back and forth between the original Pilots and the new Cadets/Pilots. Jayce reminds me a lot of Lance. Lance always seem to go to the beat of his own drum, had a hard time following rules, but when it cam to crunch time he was always there to be a good teammate. Also what is unique to Voltron is not one, but two strong female leads, which is a bit of fresh air and I think this could help Voltron get more females interested in Voltron, just as Star Wars did with Rey and so far it has worked. What’s nice with the new Pilots is the creators didn’t do what a lot of franchises did is they take a new group of people and make them exactly like to predecessors like what Ghostbusters is doing with the new movie with the all female cast, you know who which characters resemble the older cast without even seeing a trailer yet for the movie.

The new villain in this series is weak, Gr’ Rawr is not anywhere near a King Zarkon or Prince Lotor or even Emperor Zeppo of the Drule Empire. His name sounds more like a Klingon, than a fearless warlord of the galaxy. I feel like Cullen Bunn spent more time trying to introduce us to the new Voltron Pilots, than he did trying to build up the new enemies besides Haggar. Haggar needs no build up as she has been with Voltron from the very beginning and we know how she ticks. The series would be much better story wise if they delved more into Voltron’s new found enemy. Overall as big fan of Voltron I am still very satisfied with the direction of the story to this point and I look forward to reading the rest of the comics.

The artwork for this series is amazing, it is reminiscent of the cartoon I grew up loving and I am very greatful for that and I think readers who also loved Voltron growing up will also be grateful too. The cover art done by Alex Milne is iconic and does a great job of depicting Voltron as being bruised and battered but not out. The artwork inside done by Blacky Shepherd is flat out amazing. It pops, its colorful. He does a great job making the Castle of Lions more modern as it should be since years has passed by and things have changed for the better.

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Blacky Shepherd
Story: 7.5 Art: 10 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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